The dotcom bubble bursts when the NASDAQ Composite stock market index peaks at 5408.60. The dotcom boom, which started in 1997, accompanied the advent of countless new Internet-based companies. When the speculative bubble burst, many small investors were affected.

A revolt erupts in Lhasa, sparking the Tibetan uprising. Fearing the Dalai Lama's abduction by China, 300,000 Tibetans surrounded his palace.

Fulgencio Batista assumes power in Cuba after a coup. The dictator was overthrown by rebels under the command of Che Guevara in 1959.

The most destructive bombing raid in history hits Tokyo. About 100,000 Tokyo citizens died in the fires caused by the U.S. airforce's incendiary bombs.

The first telephone call is made. Alexander Graham Bell transmitted the words “Mr. Watson, come here -- I want to see you” to his assistant, Thomas A. Watson, who was in the next-door room.